Our History
LWLC was founded as an ELCA mission church and held its first worship service on Christmas Eve in 1997. It was officially organized in March 2000 with a charter membership of 150. This community of faith, which moved to its current location on Happy Valley Road in 2003, now consists of 323 baptized members (as of Dec. 31, 2013) and continues to grow. In keeping with its mission – “To be and make disciples of Jesus Christ” – LWLC seeks to create a community which welcomes all people, shares the experiences of God’s grace, grows in faith, and is sent out into the world to care.
- December 24, 1997 – First Worship at Terravita Activity Center
- January 4, 1998 – First Sunday Worship Service & Baptism of Julie Decker
- October 4, 1998 – First Sunday Service at Grayhawk Elementary School
- March 26, 2000 – Organization Sunday – 150 people signed the charter
- March 26, 2000 – Congregation issues a call to Pastor Tim Selbo
- June 2000 – Installation of Pastor Tim Selbo
- February 2001 – LWLC agrees to purchase land from Grand Canyon Synod to build
- October 2002 – Groundbreaking ceremony on Happy Valley Road
- April 13, 2003 – First service in sanctuary on Happy Valley Road
- October 12, 2003 – Dedication of sanctuary with Rev. Paul Youngdahl (am service) & Bishop Neils (3pm dedication)
- July 24, 2005 – LWLC issues a call to Pastor Marcia Kifer
- November 20, 2005 – Installation of Pastor Marcia Kifer
- July 13, 2008 – Pastor Tim Selbo accepted a call to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD
- January 2010 – Pastor Dave Thomas begins his ministry at LWLC
- March 28, 2010 – Installation of Pastor Dave Thomas
- September 21, 2010 – Pastor Marcia Kifer accepted a call to Shared Lutheran Ministries in Texas
- October 30, 2011 – Installation of Ardie Senft at LWLC
- January 2013 – Pastor Dave Thomas resigns
- March 2014 – Pastor Mark Rossman begins his ministry at LWLC
- March 16, 2014 – Installation of Pastor Mark Rossman
- June 2015 – Retirement of Ardie Senft
